British Water Polo League publishes it’s 2023/24 schedule blueprint

The British Water Polo League (BWPL) has published it’s 2023/24 schedule blueprint which will avoid a clash with Britain’s entry into the LEN European Championships.

Britain’s decision to enter the European Championships was announced last month which will help British teams ‘become more competitive at the highest level’.

Publication of the schedule was deferred from the start of this season in order to consult with the GB Water Polo leadership group with the decision being taken to reschedule women’s Divisions 1 and 2 matches during the event.

The league is affected after European Championships were brought forward to October 2023 from its original 2024 date which would impact the potential involvement of GB women’s team members in the BWPL throughout the competition.

As a result, the BWPL has rescheduled women’s Divisions 1 and 2 matches on weekends between the 7-22 October.

Men’s Division 1 and 2 will still take place on the weekend of the 7-8 October as usual after GB Water Polo Programme Lead, Craig Figes and the league came to an agreement.

‘Giving our full support’

Following the announcement, BWPL chairman David Andrews said the new schedule allows the league to support the British teams.

He said: “It’s vital that the BWPL gives its full support to GB teams where possible.

“The new agreement is a result of the excellent working relations we have been developing with GB and Swim England leadership groups.”

Figes added: “It’s fantastic that we have been able to come to this agreement with the BWPL.

“The opportunity to compete at the European Championships allows GB teams to measure themselves against the strong standard of water polo talent from across the continent and the changes to the schedule ensure that if GB players qualify for the European finals they can compete whilst still supporting their clubs back home.

“This experience at a European competition will allow us to be more competitive at the highest level and help plan the development of water polo across the nation.”

You can see the schedule on the BWPL website here